Dear Abby: Penitent man must work to build life after prison sentence

Dear Abby: I'm a 50-year-old man who is serving time for robbery in West Virginia. Every day I wake up acting as if I am in control and don't have a care in the world. The truth is, I'm scared, lonely and feel totally helpless.

Two failed marriages and several relationships with good women are over because of my determination to follow an unhealthy dream, not to mention all the friends I have lost.

Now as I look around me, there's no one there.

I deserve the time for the crime I committed. But am I also sentenced to a world of loneliness? Can I ever be loved again and be happy after all the wrong I have done? Is there someone out there who would be willing to give me a chance? Is it too late to start over?

- Serving Time

Dear Serving Time: It is never too late to start over. With penitence comes redemption. If you are willing to journey down a different path, the relationships you form along the way will be rewarding, long-lasting and mutual. You may have to work harder to gain trust, but I promise you that if you're willing to work at it, it can be done.

Dear Abby: My ex-husband, the father of our two children, was retired from the Air Force. He passed away 18 years ago. He had a full military funeral, with draped flag and all. His wife at the time was presented with the flag, which was proper. They had no children.

When she passes on, would it be proper for her family to give the flag to his biological children? After all, they were with him - as was I - throughout his entire 22-year military career. When my daughter mentioned it to his wife, she got angry.

- C. in Texas

Dear C.: Your former husband's wife was entitled to whatever property was left after his demise. The flag is hers to bestow - or not. I don't know how your daughter's request was phrased, but the woman may have been offended by the way the question was asked. I can't think of any other reason she would become angry.

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Dear Abby: Penitent man must work to build life after prison sentence

Dear Abby: I'm a 50-year-old man who is serving time for robbery in West Virginia. Every day I wake up acting as if I am in control and don't have a care in the world. The truth is, I'm scared,